Lock mechanism



April 8, 1924. 1,489,234

C. A. CHAPEL LOCK MECHANISM Filed Sept. 18. 1922 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 v I I nmmrol (I [111 arr-1.25 A- Rape L April 8 1924.

c. A. CHAPEL LOCK MECHANISM Filed Sept. 18. 1922 s Sheets-Sheet s 'iflll lllllllhlh Patented A r. 8, 1924.

UNITED STATES CHAR-LES A. CHAPEL, OF LAWT ON,-OKLAHOMA;

LOOK MECHANISM.

Application filed September 18, 1922. Serial No. 588,962.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, CHARLES A. CHAPEL, a citizen of the United States, residing at Lawton, in the county of Comanche and State of Oklahoma, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Lock Mechanisms, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to improvements in looking mechanisms which may be specifically used as arailroad sealing lock.

The primary object of this invention isthe provision of a look mechanism which is preferably adapted for use in connection with freight cars and other rolling stock for effectively preventing unauthorized persons from tampering with or enteringthe .same.

An important object of this invention is the provision of a lock mechanism adapted for use in connection with the sealing of railway rolling stock, such as freight cars, and which maintains a record of the lock operation, whereby it is possible for an inspector or other person to determine who last operated the lock mechanism.

A further objectof this invention is the provision of a positive operating car seal locking mechanism which may be operated only by authorized persons by means of identification members, such as keys and seals.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent during the course of the following detailed description.

In the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, and wherein similar reference characters designate corresponding parts throughout the several views,

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the improved locking mechanism showing the same in locked position with the various parts thereof assembled in operative relation with a supporting frame and closure member.

Figure 2 is a cross sectional view. showing the cooperating details of this invention.

Figure is a longitudinal cross sectional view, taken substantially on the line 3-3 of Figure 2.

Figure l is a cross sectional view, taken substantially on the line 44: of Figure 2.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a bolt member embodied in this invention.

Figures 6, 7, and 8 are transverse cross sectional Views taken through the improved locking mechanism, respectively on the lines 6-6, 77, and 88 of Figure 3.

Figures 9 and 10 are views of a novel type of seal device, which is adapted for use in connection with the improved locking mechanism and which likewise functions as a key. I

In the drawings, wherein for the purpose of illustration is shown but the preferred embodiment of this invention, the letter A generically designates the improved locking device, which includes a casing B; bolt arrangement C; keeper 0r hasp arrangement 1); key or seal member E; means F for controlling the seal member E. The im: proved locking mechanism A is preferably adapted for use in connection with closure members G, having certain parts thereof which may be mounted upon a supporting frame or body H.

Referring to the supporting casing B, the same preferably includes a body block which issuitab-ly provided with a. recess 16 extending longitudinally thereof. A housing 17 is likewise employed as a. part of the casing arrangement B adapted for receiving the body block '15 in the pocket or compartment 18 provided thereby. The housing 17 is preferably provided with the end attaching flanges 20 and 21 extending outwardly therefrom, for receiving rivets or other nonremovable securing elements 22. The ends of the housing 17 in which the pocket or chamber 18 is provided are open whereby the upper and lower portions of the bolt member 25 may movably extend therethrough, as will be hereinafter more specifically set forth.

A trackwa-y 27, which is preferably of metal is attached, as by retaining elements 28, to the block 15, so that the same is disposed within the compartment 18 of the housing 17 with but an entrance lip 29 there of extending from the casing B. This trackway 27 is provided with the lateral over-- turned guide flanges 30 for limiting the lateral movement of the key or seal mem ber E, and whereby the latter may be slid longitudinally of the trackway 27 as will be hereinafter more specifically set forth. Re ferring to Figure 3 of the drawings, it can bereadily seen that a slot 31 has beenprovided in the housing 17 adjacent the upper end thereof for ent "ance of the key member The belt member 25 may be of any approved material and is elongated in shape, preferably being slid-ably disposed in the groove or pocket 16 provided longitudinally in the body block 15. The bolt member 25 is preferably provided with an enlarged head portion 35 which at all times extends outwardly of the casing B, and which is preferably provided with a peripheral groove 36 therein for manual engagement in order to facilitate movement of said member. The under surface of the bolt member 25 is recessed longitudinally in order to provide the pocket 37, within which pocket a normally compressed spiral spring 38 operates; one end of this spiral spring 38 being held as by a bracket 39 which is suitably attached to the bolt member 25, and the other end of said spring 38 being normally held by a braeket 40 which is attached to .the body block 15, .as can readily be seen in Figure 4 of the drawings. By this arrangement, the bolt member 25 is normally held by the spring 38 so that the lower or keeper end 41 of the bolt member 25 is r tracted inwardly of the casing B, substantially as is illustigated in the dotted lines of Figure l of the drawings. The limit of the bolt menibers movement is determined by a stop bracket 41, which is carried by the body 15 and extends upwardly into the pocket 37, whereby the same may engage against a shoulder portion 42 ,of the bolt member The bolt arrangement C furthern'iore includes a dog mechanism 44, consisting of a pawl or dog 45 which is pivoted as at 46 within a pocket 47 of the body block 15; said dog 45 oscillating transversely of the casing B within its pocket 47, so that a projecting portion 48 thereof may cooperate within the slots l9 of the bolt member 25; said slots 49' being so positioned that when the dog 4L5 engages upwardly therein, the bolt will be in its locked position with the locking end 41 thereof extending from the casing housing 17 The dog mechanism ll:

furthermore includes a. swinging member 50 which is carried by a pin 51. This member 50 includes a projecting end 52 which is adapted for reciprocation through an opening 53 provided in the trackway 27 A'leaf spring54: is suitably attached. at one end as by ascrew within the pocket .56 of the body 15 within which the member 50 pivoted; the spring 54 being flexed and having the free end thereof normally engaged beneath the free end of the dog-member 4:; which extends into the pocket or opening 56, and whereby the projection 52 is normally maintained outward above the trackway 27, and the projecting portion 48 of the dog member 45 in engagement in the slots provided in the bolt member bracket attached to the closure member G; the free end, of the strap member 57 having a head 61 thereon which is provided with an opening 62 for receiving a staple 64: which preferably is formed rigid with the casing flange 21. This staple or may be provided with an opening 5 within which the latch end l1 of the bolt member 25 normally extends when the bolt is in its locked position, the lock end 41 of the bolt member 25 when in such position overlying the strap head 61, substantially as is illustrated in Figures 1, 2, and 4: of the drawings, and wherebyf the closure member G will be maintained in locked position with respect to a supporting frame A strap head 61 is preferably provided with an ,outstanding portion 68 which is provided with a socket 69 extending downwardly therein said socket 69 terminating in a dead end, and which is adapted for alignment with the opening 70 provided in the lower end .of the housing 17.

The key or seal E is preferably formed of sheet material such as ;tin, and may be of rectangular formation including an upper relatively long portion and a lower i'ela tively shorter portion 76; said portions 75 and 7 6 being, of course, connected, and preferably provided with a dividing line 77 struck therein, which designates the juncture of said portions 75 and 76. ,Suitable identification indicia 7 8 may .be provided upon each of the portions 75 and 76, for a purpose which will be more fully set forth hereinafter. The portions 75 and .76 are preferably provided with a series of openings 79 extending transversely therethrough in longitudinal relation along the seal E, the U-shaped portions 80 intenmediate the openings 79 being shaped arcuately upwardly and provided as means for cooperation with the controlling means F.

Referring to the controlling means F, the same principally includes a toothed gear 81 which is carried within the housing 17 directly over the trackway 27, and adapted for meeting engagement with the arcuate teeth 80 of a seal or key menrber E, after the latter has been inserted through the slot 31 onto the track 27. This wheel 81 may be operated by means of a finger engaging disc 82 provided exteriorly of the casing B. The means F includes a dog member'82 which is pivotally connected by a pin 83 beneath the trackway 27, the same having a spring 84 which normally forces the projecting end 85 thereof upwardly through a relatively narrow .slot 86 in said casing. The projection 85 is preferably provided with a downwardly inclined edge 88 which may face the entrance slot 31, and with which edge 88 the key E first engages as the key is inserted into the trackway 27, for depressing the bolt 82 into its pocket 89 within the block 15. A stop shoulder or bracket 90 is provided as a part of the dog 82 which likewise cooperates upwardly through the trackway 27 and is adapted to serve as a stop in order to prevent removal of the key or seal E after the latter has passed the same. Similarly, a dog or stop element 95 is pivoted as at 96 to the casing 17, being normally forced downwardly into engagement with the trackway 27 as by a spring 97, so that the seal E will be maintained in position as a seal against unauthorized removal, as will be hereinafter mentioned. 7

Referring to the mode of operating the improved locking. mechanism and the specific application of the same to a freight car or other rolling stock, the casing B may be attached to the frame H and the strap member 57 to a closure member G. Assuming that the bolt member 25 is in locked position whereby the strap 57 is in the position illustrated in Figure 1 of the drawings, the shipper in order to open the closure member G for filling the car with the desired contents has the proper railroad official insert a key member E, and which particular member E includes the indicia 78 designating the identity of the person or ofiicial inserting the seal. The edge portions of the key 'member E, will, of course, engage beneath the guide flanges 30 of the trackway 27. Upon manual insertion of the key member E through the slot 31 to its fullest extent, and which will depress the dog 82, the gear or toothed wheel 81 will just be in meshing relation with the teeth 80 of the key which has been inserted. Upon rotation of the disc 82 the key E will be fed along the trackway 27 as can readily be understood. Such feeding of the key along the trackway will engage the inclined edge of the bolt extension 52 and which will rock the dog member 45 of the mechanism 44 downwardly within the pocket 47, so that the projection 48 thereof is removed from engagement in the slots 49 of the locking bolt 25. The spiral spring 38, of course, immediately asserts itself and the bolt member 25 will be thrown into its open position, withdrawing the latch end41 from the opening of the staple 64 and permitting the trop 57 to'be thrown back over the closure member G for opening of the latter.

In this position, the dog mechanism 44 is of course retained inoperative by means of the key E. Likewise, in this position, the key E has overridden the dog 82 so that the stopshoulder 90 thereof extends upwardly through the passageway 27 and will prevent a return movement of the key E, should such movement be attempted by reverse rotation of the operating disc wheel 82 The car having been filled, the shipper or proper railroad oflicial throws the bolt member to its groove 16. Such movement will also move the key E, because of engagement of the key E at its remote edgeportion by means of the resilient finger 98 which is carried by the pin 100 the latter being attached in the bolt member 25 and extending laterally over the trackway 27. The key will then drop, either by gravity, by manual aid, or by and of the spring finger 98 into the extreme lower end of the trackway 27, whereby the shorter or lower end portion 76 thereof extends through the casing slot into the keeper pocket 69 provided in the strap member 57, the upper end portion of the key E still being positioned on the lower end portion of the trackway 27, substantially as is illustrated in Figure 2 of the drawings. In this position, the member E serves as a seal, as can be readily understood, and cannot be tampered with. Return or reverse sliding of the key member E when serving as a seal, is prevented by means of the dog 95 which, as is illustrated in Figure 3 of the drawings, engages the outer edge of the portion 75, and prevents any reciprocatory movement of the member E. It is preferred that the casing or housing 17 be provided with a slot 102 through which a side portion of the member E is visible to determine the indicia 78 upon the upper portion 75. The car embodying the improved locking mechanism A is now sealed and in position for travelling. The car having reached the consignee and the latter having turned the bill of lading over to the proper railroad oflicial, the latter inserts a key E containing his particular indicia 78, through the slot 31 in the manner above described, and by means of the controlling mechanism F, the mechanism 44 will be positioned so that the bolt 25 will move to unlatched position. When the consignee or railroad official then swings the strap member 57 in order to open the closure member G, the seal E which was inserted by the shipper or consignor is severed at the dividing line 77, and the lower portion 76 thereof is retained within the pocket 69, while the upper portion 79 thereof drops out and is retained by the railroad official at the consignees station, and by means of which the identification of the sealing official is determined at the delivery point. The keeper inserting end 76 as well as the stub end 75 may be retained by the railroad oflicial, it being mandatory to forward the severed portions of the seal E to an auditingdepartment of the railroad, and by which a. record and check may be maintained. In this manner the seals E are closely guarded.

Upon emptying of. the contents of the car, the bolt member 25 may be thrown into locked position above described, and which will automatically move the key or seal E, which was last inserted in the trackway 27 into position to provide a seal, so that the empty car may bereturned or forwarded to another location;

Since in some instances, it will. be desirableto throw thebolt 2) into locked and unlocking position without the necessity of inserting a seal, such as w 1911' the car is in: a consignees care, a member 100 isprovided upon the bolt 25, which may be selectively positioned to prevent or pemit operation of" the dog mechanism a l. This member 100 includes a stem portion 101' which is slidably mounted in a groove'102- provided in. aside of the bolt member 25, the end ofthe member 100, having a nail or finger. engaging projection 108 which is adapted for selective disposition in either of the recesses 104- and 1105 provided. in the member-- The opposite end: of this member. 100. is pro,-

. vided with a cam head 106 which may he retained in a suitable recess within the member 25,. as by a. plate 107. In operation, the projecting end 103 of this member 100 may. be positioned in the remotest slot 105,.which.

I will withdraw the camhead 106 from the dog slot 49 provided in: the bolt member 15, and. which will permit operation; of the dog mechanismlt as above described; However, if it is desired to utilize the bolt mentber' 25 without the liability of the boltbe-- cominglocked. by the-dog mechanismd it'isnecessary to throw the member 100, so. that the projection 103 i thereof is disposed within the slot 104, and in which position the cam: head 106. will ride into a bolt slot. 49,.suhstantially. as is illustrated in Figure 5' of the drawings. hen the: operator throws the bolt 25 into position for-retaining the strap member 57 locked, the cam head 10.6 wi-llslidably engage, the dog member ibs-11d prevent the same fromswinging into the. bolt slots 49; In this manner,,the dog mech'- anism at is maintained inoperative in sofar a the bolt member 25* is concerned. It is 'thuspossible to reciprocate the bolt meme her 25 without liability of the same becomin; latched.

In someinstances, the car or other. device with. which the improved lock mechanism A is used. will: be forwarded to. foreign lo cations. Insuchevent, the persons-forward ing: the carmay utilize the ordinary car seal. by insertion of the same through: the.

aligning: openings 100 and. 110, respectively provided: in the otfset. 68 and. the latch end. of. the bolt. member 25,. as canhe understood. from, Figure 1 of they drawings. Suclna sealing will. maintain the lock mechanism. A, in

locked position; against liability. of acci..-

dental opening of the closure member. Ghand willobviate the necessityof insertionof the particular type of seal E. when. the reaches a foreignlocation.

From the foregoing description of this invention, it is. apparent that the same post advantages which will adapt the same for general use upon cars and other vehicles of common carriers. By means of this lock, the opening of the car by any-one other than a company employee is prevented. It will prevent the consignee from tampering with the car in order to reach the content thereof without first surrendering the bill of ladingtot-he proper official, so that the latter. may insert the novel seal for opening the lock.. In addition the seal is so secreted that the placing" and removal of thesame except by authorized persons is prevented, so that a record of the seals used may be maintained and both directly and indirectly preventing damage to roll.- ing stock and the contents carried thereby. Heretofore the seals used for freight cars, after. use,.were totally destroyed. The cost ofthese ordinary seals is considerable and in contrardistinction to the relatively simple type of sheet metal. seal E employed in the improved locking member A, which requires no lead: or alloy sealing substance. In addition, the lock possesses advantages which.

make the same practical and capable of universal use in connection with freight cars.

This type of lockmechanism. need not necessarily be limited to the use herein defined, since wlthslight. alterations, the same may. be adapted for use as a dispensingmechanism, or look arrangement capable of different appllcations.

Various changes in. the shape, size and arrangement of partsmaybe made to the form of invention herein shown. and described, without, departing from the spirit ofthisinvention or thescope of the claims.

1' claim:

'1'. A; look mechanism comprising a casepa:

bolti movable-in said case, akeeper, a key for. permittingmovement' of the bolt for permitting removal of the same from the keeper, and means associated with. the bolt for moving-the, key into sealing relation with thekeeperwhenthe bolt is moved intolocke ing relation with'the keeper.

2. A. lock mechanismicomprising a case, a. bolt movable in said case, a keeper, a: key for permitting movement of. the bolt for permitting; removal of the same from the keepcr,.1neansassociated with the bolt for moving the key into sealing relation with the keeperwhen. the bolt is moved into locking relation with th keeper, and a second key-permitting operation of. said bolt whereby the keeper'and: lock case may be relatively moved to break the seal. as provided by. the

' and. supporting frame, of. bolt and keeper devices adapted. for attachment. tothe closure member and.- supportingv frame, and. a.

key permitting operation of the bolt and adapted to serve as a seal between the bolt and keeper devices to prevent operation of the closure member without mutilation of the seal.

4:. A locking mechanism comprising a casing, a bolt movable in the casing, a dog mechanism for locking the bolt, a strap mechanism adapted to be retained in one position by said bolt, a key, means for nonremovably positioning the key in the casing for operating the dog mechanism whereby the bolt may be moved to unlocked position, said, key after serving as means for operation of said dog mechanism adapted to have portions thereof positioned in the casing and strap so that the same will provide a seal to maintain the strap in sealed position with respect to said casing.

5. As an article of manufacture, a key member having a series of openings extend ing therethrough and arranged longitudinally thereof, said key provided with a plurality of raised arcuate teeth intermediate adjacent openings.

6. As an article of manufacture, a lock operating and seal device comprising a plurality of connected portions of unequal length having identification indicia thereon, and provided with a plurality of raised teeth stamped thereon.

7. A seal arrangement comprising a casing having a trackway extending therethrough, a strap member including a pocket adapted for alignment with the trackway of the casing when in closed position, a seal, and means for non-removably positioning said seal so that a portion thereof may extend into said trackway and another portion extend into the pocket of said strap for looking the latter against opening movement until the seal is mutilated.

8. A locking mechanism comprising a casing having a trackway extending therethrough, a strap member including a pocket adapted for alignment with the trackway of the casing when the former is in closed position therewith, a seal, bolt means for locking said strap member in a fixed position, means for moving said seal along the trackway to a certain position whereby the bolt means may be unlatched, and means for non-removably positioning said seal so that portions thereof extend into the pocket and trackway for locking the strap against an opening movement without breaking the seal.

9. A locking mechanism comprising a casing, a. bolt movable in the casing, a dog mechanism for maintaining said bolt in locked position, a keeper staple for receiving said bolt, strap means movable for engagement over said staple and adapted for lock ing by said bolt, a seal device, and means for moving said seal device through said casing to operate said dog mechanism whereby the bolt may be withdrawn, from the staple to permit opening of the strap member, said bolt when thrown to locked position after opening-pf the dog mechanism by the seal adapted to move said seal therewith into engagement with the strap for maintaining the latter and casing in a sealed relation.

10. A locking mechanism comprising a casing, a bolt, avkeeper for the bolt, a dog mechanism for locking the bolt, a key, means for non-removably positioning the key in the casing for operation of the dog mechanism whereby the bolt may be moved, and means adapted to be positioned to act on the dog mechanism to prevent its looking of the bolt.

.11. A locking mechanism comprising a casing including a trackway, a bolt, a keeper for the bolt, a dog mechanism for locking the bolt including a movable portion normally extending into the trackway, a key, means for non-returnable positioning of the key in the trackway whereby the same may engage the portion of the dog mechanism which extends into said trackway for operation of the dog mechanism to release said bolt, and adjustable means adapted to be positioned to act on the dog mechanism to prevent its locking said bolt notwithstanding the position of said key.

12. A locking mechanism comprising a casing including a trackway, a bolt movable in the casing, a keeper for the bolt, a dog mechanism for locking of the bolt including a portion extending into the trackway, a key, means for non-returnable movement of the key in the trackway to engage and operate the portion of the dog mechanism extending therethrough whereby the bolt may be released and moved, and pawl means carried by the bolt adapted to engage and move the key when moving said bolt into locked position.

13. A device of the class described comprising a casing including a trackway, a bolt, dog mechanism including a portion extending into said trackway, a key, means for non-returnable positioning of the key in said trackway adapted to engage the projecting portion of said dog mechanism 'so that the latter may be operated for movement of the bolt,- pawl means carried by the bolt adapted to engage the key when moving the former into a latched" position whereby the dog mechanism may look the bolt, a keeper cooperating with said'bolt including a pocket, said key when moved forward by said bolt adapted to have portions thereof extending into the pocket of said keeper and remaining on the trackway of said casing to provide a seal which must be broken before said keeper and easing may be relatively moved.

14. A device of the class described comprising a casing including a bolt movable in the casing, a dog mechanism for said belt, a key including teeth, and operating gear means coacting with said teeth for moving said key in the casing to move said said key in the casing to engage and move said dog mechanism so that said bolt may be drawn into unlocked position, means on said bolt adapted upon return movement to move said key out of operating relation with respect to said dog mechanism, :and means preventing return of said hey after ation of said dog mechanism.

16. A locking mechanism comprising a casing including a trackway, a bolt, a dog mechanism including a portion disposed'adjacent said ti'ackway, a key, means for moving said key into engagement With said portion of said dog mechanism whereby the latter may be operated for releasing said -bolt, means preventing return movement of the key after engaging said portion of the dog mechanism, said bolt when Withdrawnand moved again into locking position adapted to move said key along said track- 'Way iiitoa non-returnable position, a keeper for cooperation with said bolt, said keeper arrangement having pocket means therein for receiving a portion of said key after forward movement by said bolt.

CHARLES A. CHAPEL. 

